Vladimir Putin makes lethal upgrade to Russian Navy, starting with nuclear submarines

Vladimir Putin has provided the Russian Navy with two new deadly nuclear submarines in an attempt to improve the prowess of his forces - and this is expected to just be the beginning.

The vessels come fully equipped with missiles capable of hitting ground targets in an attempt to improve "combat readiness", according to the Russian President.

This is reportedly part of a larger drive for the Russian Navy to increase strategic monitoring of certain areas in oceans across the world, and an extension of Putin's desire to strengthen

the efforts of his entire military.

Putin travelled to Severodvinsk, where the nuclear submarines are stored, to make the announcement.

It is believed that bolstering the navy with these new submarines is another tactic to strengthen his campaign for the 2024 election in March. Winning the election would see Putin become

Russia's longest ruler in history, overtaking Joseph Stalin.

READ MORE: WW3 fears erupt as expert warns Putin could push UK to deploy nuclear weapons

He said: "We will quantitatively strengthen the combat readiness of the Russian Navy, our naval power in the Arctic, the Far East, the Black Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the Caspian Sea - the

most important strategic areas of the world's oceans."

The new built Emperor Alexander III and Krasnoyarsk nuclear submarines were christened by the president as he oversaw the raising of the Russian flag aboard them.

The Emperor Alexander III comes with 16 intercontinental missiles capable of taking out soldiers on the ground, and Krasnoyarsk has been fitted with cruise missiles and torpedoes powered by

nuclear energy.

This makes it easier for the vessel to hunt enemy submarines.

Don't miss... Vladimir Putin's troops wiped out as soldier rues major Avdiivka losses [INSIGHT] Ukraine releases chilling pics of Kremlin defector's assassination [REPORT] North Koreans paid

in 'rice and liquor to make weapons for Russia' - source [SPOTLIGHT]

Putin has declared another eight vessels under construction - five of which are specifically similar to Krasnoyarsk, adding to his ever-growing arsenal of weapons.

This follows Putin's announcement that he intends to run for president again in 2024, with the military and improving its capacities against Ukraine being his key focus to win over voters.

It also comes at a time when Ukraine's military is struggling to secure the funding and aid it needs, specifically from the US, to continue its fight against Russia.

See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive.